| Drug Name |
Metformin |
| Drug ID |
BADD_D01401 |
| Description |
Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent of the _biguanide_ class, used for the management of type II diabetes) [FDA label]. Currently, metformin is the first drug of choice for the management of type II diabetes and is prescribed to at least 120 million people worldwide [A176173].
Metformin is considered an antihyperglycemic drug because it lowers blood glucose concentrations in type II diabetes without causing hypoglycemia. Metformin is commonly described as an _insulin sensitizer_ leading to a decrease in insulin resistance and a clinically significant reduction of plasma fasting insulin levels [A176173]. Another well-known benefit of this drug is modest weight loss. Metformin is the drug of choice for obese type II diabetes patients [A36559].
Metformin was first approved in Canada in 1972 [A36552], followed by 1995 in the USA [FDA label]. This drug is available in regular and extended-release forms [FDA label]. |
| Indications and Usage |
**Metformin tablet**
Metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to increase glycemic control in _adults and pediatric patients_ 10 years of age and older diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.[FDA label]
**Metformin extended-release tablet (XR)**
The extended-release form is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in only _adults_ with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Safety in children has not been determined to this date.[FDA label]
An extended-release combination product containing empagliflozin, linagliptin, and metformin was approved by the FDA in January 2020 for the improvement of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when used adjunctively with diet and exercise.[L11479] |
| Marketing Status |
approved |
| ATC Code |
A10BA02 |
| DrugBank ID |
DB00331
|
| KEGG ID |
D04966
|
| MeSH ID |
D008687
|
| PubChem ID |
4091
|
| TTD Drug ID |
D0D7LA
|
| NDC Product Code |
0378-6002; 0615-8105; 52493-334; 50742-634; 0378-6001; 50742-633 |
| UNII |
9100L32L2N
|
| Synonyms |
Metformin | Dimethylbiguanidine | Dimethylguanylguanidine | Glucophage | Metformin Hydrochloride | Hydrochloride, Metformin | Metformin HCl | HCl, Metformin |
